At Least 14 Dead After Fire Engulfs Hong Kong High-Rise Complex
At least 14 people have died after a fire broke out across three blocks of a high-rise housing complex in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Police reported receiving multiple calls from residents trapped inside the Wang Fuk Court complex, located in the northern Tai Po district.
Firefighters are working to contain the intense blaze amid thick plumes of smoke. Live footage from the scene showed crews using water jets from ladder trucks to douse the flames. At least one firefighter is among the reported fatalities. Wang Fuk Court is a residential complex of 2,000 units spread across eight blocks.
The fire began at 2:51 p.m. local time and was quickly escalated to a No. 5 alarm, the highest level of alert, according to the Fire Services Department.
At least seven people were hospitalized, the Hong Kong government confirmed. Of these, four have been declared dead, two are in critical condition, and one is in stable condition. A subsequent report confirmed another death, bringing the total toll to at least 14.
Authorities say an unknown number of residents remain trapped inside the buildings.
Emergency Shelters Opened for Displaced Residents
In response to the disaster, Hong Kong authorities have opened temporary shelters for those affected. Accommodation is now available at the Kwong Fuk Community Hall and the Tung Cheong Street Leisure Building.
A help desk has been established at Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital to assist displaced residents and handle public inquiries, alongside a dedicated hotline at 2658 4040.
Officials said the Tai Po District Office is “closely monitoring” the situation and will open additional shelters if necessary.
